Adilyn (Addie) Wadley has been selected to become the first Lee University women’s lacrosse coach, according to Lee athletic director Larry Carpenter and assistant athletic director Andrea Hudson.
“I am so excited that Lee is starting a lacrosse program and I am honored that I have the privilege of being named the first head coach,” said Wadley during an email conversation.
“Lee could not have picked a better time to start the program. Women's lacrosse is currently growing rapidly in the US at both the high school and collegiate level.
I feel so blessed to have the opportunity to coach lacrosse in such a spiritually rich, God-centered environment. “
Originally from Santa Barbara, Calif., Wadley’s parents were missionaries and she spent her childhood days in South Africa. She returned to California for high school and eventually attended and played lacrosse at Biola University.
Wadley devoted most of her high school years toward developing her soccer skills, but it was during her college days that she began picking up the game of lacrosse. The new Lee coach went on to break all the scoring records at Biola.
After graduating from Biola with a degree in Human Biology she accepted the position of head women's lacrosse coach for the club program at the University of Oregon. Earlier she had coached club lacrosse in Orange County, Calif.
“The entire search committee was very impressed by Addie in her interview,” pointed out coach Hudson. “Having been a competitive athlete in women's lacrosse, she will be a top-notch coach for our young program. She is ready to step in and not only coach at a high level; she is prepared to grow the sport of lacrosse in our local community with camps and clinics for young children."
Coach Carpenter said he is excited to have coach Wadley join the coaching staff and lead the new lacrosse program. “Although young, she brings a wealth of knowledge and experience about lacrosse,” the athletic director added.
“She has an unbelievable level of energy. Addie has already been working hard recruiting new players and should have our team playing at a competitive level in the near future. I think the students and community will embrace lacrosse and I can't wait to host our first game.”
Carpenter praised coach Hudson for her work in leading the search. “She did an outstanding job not only chairing the committee, but making contacts in the region that will help coach Wadley as she builds her program.”